Household Food Consumption and Wastage during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Comparison between Peru and Brazil

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a major global challenge. In Latin America, both Brazil and Peru reported the highest levels of impact in terms of proportional infection and death rates. Within this context, this study sought to compare food consumption and wastage patterns in Peruvian and Brazilian households. For these purposes, the authors conducted a quantitative research study based on a self-reported online survey submitted during the pandemic outbreak. Results revealed that the intention of reducing food wastage and implementing leftover management routines are related to the economic value of wasted food. In addition, in both countries, shopping lists are used as planning elements, and food purchases are influenced by on-sale products. Leftover management is also similar in both countries, and the expiration date on the label is the most commonly used criterion for consuming or discarding food items. Nevertheless, within the framework of the health and economic crisis generated, opportunities for change toward the adoption of smarter and more sustainable purchasing behaviors are emerging for both households and companies, in addition to giving equal importance to environmental, social, and economic benefits. This research study provided insights into food consumption and food wastage behaviors in times of crisis, such as a pandemic.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on household food waste behaviour: A systematic review

“…of Articles Europe 20 Italy 7 UK 3 Spain 2 Germany 1 Portugal 1 Romania 1 Russia 1 Turkey 1 Serbia 1 Czech Republic 1 Bosnia 1 North America 8 US 5 Canada 2 Mexico 1 Asia 6 Malaysia 1 Thailand 1 Japan 1 China 1 Lebanon 1 Qatar 1 South America 3 Brazil 2 Peru 1 Africa 1 Tunisia 1 More than one Continents 2 More than 10 Countries 2 Note. Three studies were conducted across two countries ( Cequea et al, 202...…”

“… Note. Three studies were conducted across two countries ( Cequea et al, 2021 ; Everitt et al, 2021 ; Rodgers et al, 2021 ). …”

“…Sustainability awareness and knowledge of the environmental, social, and economic consequences of food waste trigger more responsible behaviours ( Pires et al, 2021 ). Understanding the causes of food waste and its adverse impacts is crucial, as lack of awareness is why people do not consider it a critical problem and do not perceive it as something that can be avoided ( Cequea et al, 2021 ). The COVID-19 pandemic increased awareness of the consequences of food waste ( Castellini et al, 2021 ; Pappalardo et al, 2020 ).…”

Psychological Barriers to Sustainable Dietary Patterns: Findings from Meat Intake Behaviour

“…In Brazil, no significant change in local households during the pandemic of COVID-19 was reported [68]. However, social isolation revealed that food waste and shopping habits are linked [69], worsening food security for long periods in developing countries [70].…”

A review of the effects of COVID-19 on food waste

“… Economic factors : Economic factors can be defined as external factors that relate to the economic context in which consumers make purchases. Primarily, the studies investigated the economic factor of food price changes, highlighting the influence of these changes on consumer choice (Babbitt et al, 2021 ; Cequea et al, 2021 ; Qian et al, 2020 ; Roe et al, 2020 ; Schmitt et al, 2021 ; Sharp et al, 2021 ). Behavioural factors : In the reviewed papers, behavioural factors tended to relate to food purchasing, preparation, and management.…”